The U.S. and Canadian women's hockey teams face off for the gold medal Thursday (6:30 p.m. ET, MSNBC) in a matchup that has been anticipated since before the start of the Olympics. The USA is ranked No. 1, based on its victories in the last two world championships. But since October, the Americans are 1-6-1 against the Canadians and have been outscored 28-14. Canada holds a 2-1 edge in Olympic gold medals. Both teams feature a powerful offense and solid defense and goaltending. Asked to compare the two, Swedish coach Peter Elander said the USA was faster and Canada was stronger.

The University of Wisconsin women's hockey team went to Eveleth, Minn., home of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, in October 2008 to play a game. The players toured the Hall, including the Miracle on Ice display. On a video of game highlights: Their coach, Mark Johnson, scoring two goals in the USA's 4-3, mythic semifinal upset of the Soviet Union.